Q&A: Replacing Sheathing Behind Brick Veneer

Q.My company is in the process
of gut rehabbing a house with brick veneer siding. From
the interior, we have removed the drywall and wall
insulation, exposing 16-gauge steel studs, 24 inches on
center. The existing gypsum sheathing is in very poor
condition. There is a 3/4-inch air space between the
brick veneer and the deteriorated sheathing. Is there
any way to replace the sheathing from the interior of
the house?

A.Corresponding Editor
Paul Fisette responds: Bricks absorb
rainwater. Water is driven through the bricks by
gravity, capillary suction, vapor pressure, and air
pressure. Since the existing gypsum sheathing is
wet and deteriorated, it is especially important to
maintain the air space between the bricks and the
new sheathing, so that any water that penetrates
the brick veneer can drain down to weep holes at
the bottom of the wall. It is also important to
install a layer of #15 or #30 felt over the outside
of the sheathing, to protect the wall from future
moisture damage.

Replacing the sheathing is an interesting
challenge. I can imagine inventive JLC
readers everywhere thinking of clever ways to solve
this problem. I believe the most effective repair
method is to remove the studs in 4-foot sections,
and then to insert new pre-assembled wall panels.
The panels should have felt attached to the
outside. Be sure to provide overlaps of felt at the
top, bottom, and sides.